Severe Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Associated with Cisplatin-based Chemotherapy for Advanced Bladder Cancer / Journal of Rural Medicine

ABSTRACT

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and renal failure that occurs predominantly in infants and young children. However, HUS in adults has also been described as a complication of various chemotherapy regimens with a relatively poor prognosis. Since cisplatin is now widely used for treatment of solid cancers, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of cisplatin-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome as a rare but potentially fatal side- effect. Herein, we describe our experience with a 67-year old woman being treated for a urothelial carcinoma of the bladder who suffered chemotherapy-induced HUS after a cisplatin-based regimen. Plasmapheresis was carried out five times; however, her serum platelets remained depressed, and she subsequently died. We conclude that there is a high risk potential for HUS in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy for advanced-stage bladder cancer.